The University's Department of Systems and Information Engineering has developed an Accelerated Master's Program in systems engineering designed specifically for providing United States Veterans with inexpensive career and educational training.
The program is modeled after the department's current accelerated master's program, in which students participate in the program for only one year and complete a total of 30 credits, the program's Executive Director Mike Smith said. Classes for the new program will meet every other Friday and Saturday, which will allow students with a full-time job to fit the program into their busy schedules, he said.
The veterans' program differs from the current accelerated program in that it also helps veterans transition onto a career path, in addition to earning a systems engineering master's. Eleven national companies will partner with the University and provide veterans with research and work opportunities, said Barry Horowitz, systems and information engineering department chair.
Veterans will work for one of these partnered companies for a 10-week period, Smith said, adding that this will both give the veterans valuable experience and give the companies an opportunity to find future employees.
"The principal idea is that it will not only be educational, but also a career program," said Horowitz.
The program is the product of an initiative of the National Science Foundation, which seeks to take advantage of a current influx in veterans and to train more Americans in the math and science fields, Horowitz said.
"This year, 400,000 veterans are transitioning [into the work force]," Smith said. "We saw an opportunity to take this professionally oriented career and tailor it to the needs of veterans."
The program at the University is one of six newly created scientific training programs nationwide catering to veterans, Horowitz said. The National Science Foundation will provide the University with a grant to help jumpstart the program, and veterans entering the program will ideally experience almost no financial burdens. The G.I. Bill will cover the cost of a large portion of the program's tuition and also will provide money for books and housing, Smith said.
"Veterans should not be burdened by student loans but be able to make the transition into a career," he said.
The University also currently is gathering contributions from alumni to form scholarships for the program's participants and offset costs not covered by the G.I. Bill, Smith said. Eligible veterans are currently being recruited for the first class, which is set to arrive on Grounds next May.
Read More
Archivist Report on Jim Ryan
By Finn Trainer and Clara Franklin | 22 hours agoArchivists Finn Trainer and Clara Franklin recount Jim Ryan's tenure as the 9th President of the University.
Why did Student Council vote no confidence in the Board of Visitors?
By Lauren Seeliger | 2 days agoUltimately, Dickerson said during the Aug. 8 meeting that the decision to draft this resolution was not easy but was necessary so as to fulfill Student Council’s role.
U.Va. to seek external firm in search for 10th president
By Brendon Bordwine | 6 days agoExternal search firms are often retained by universities to identify and recruit candidates for top leadership positions.
